11/21/14

One of the hardest things about writing a blog around this subject is what do we now call it as Google has combined & rebranded Google Places and Google+ Local as “Google My Business”!

Google places allows for a business or brand to manage or maintain their presence on Google by creating a page which contains all of the information of a business and their services or products. This allows Google to display this data within Google maps but also increase your rankings within local search results. Therefore, by modifying and optimising your page, you will become more relevant within search engine results to potential customers. Depending on the search result, this could get your listing to appear at the top of the first page search with a Google map showing your location, web address and contact number. So how do you optimise your page listing?

First of all, you need to make sure that you insert as much information as possible, including relevant information in the optional fields as well as the required fields will help improve your listing. While inserting this content, you need to make sure that it is all correct and matches that of any other web presence you have, for example – making sure you insert the full address and the same location that is displayed on your website. For details about the services or products that you provide, keywords are essential, using quality, relevant keywords will allow you to be found by potential customers. However, you must avoid misusing these keywords, overuse or ‘keyword stuffing’ could make your Google ranking go down drastically and prevent you from being found.

In addition to keyword rich content, Google also allows photos and videos to be uploaded. Inserting as many high quality, relevant pictures of your business, brand logo and products with quality captions will improve your listing while also increasing customer brand recognition.

Encourage your current and previous customers to review your business via the listing. Not only does this show new customers that you’re a reputable business but allows Google to know that you’re a serious, popular local business which will improve local rankings.

Inserting listings on other local directories using the same information as your Google places listing allows for Google to establish sources of data. The obvious benefits of this would be exposure on other sites but this will also help push your business on the first page search results. It’s important that you keep all of this information current and correct for all directories.